[Mrs. Don-o]

That's what fries my brain. Four pontificates, 45 years, and in all that time they couldn't findactual Catholics amongst the German clergy?

It's a miracle that Pope Benedict XVI came out of that milieu; it's too bad that age and failing strength brought him down so soon.

I am not one of the "O Noes" anti-Francis faction --- not by a long shot --- but I sure do miss dear Benedict. What a treasure; but the whole Church still benefits from his fervent prayers. I remember his asking the intercession of Our Lady of Sheshan, Patroness of China.

[RobbyS]

When Benedict became archbishop of Munich, he was regarded by some Germans as a Judas to the progressive cause. Modernism was, after all, a German thing, a misbegotten child of German idealism.